Review of citrus irrigation in Australia

Review of citrus irrigation in Australia

Spurling, M.B.

Proceedings of the International Society of Citriculture, 1981 Volume 2: 511-514

1983

Over 60% of citrus production depends on the River Murray system for irrigation water. For the first 60 years water salinity levels rarely reached 150 p.p.m. TDS (total dissolved salts) and most plantings were on low lifts ( less than 20 m) and were furrow-irrigated. After 1940 the irrigated area expanded rapidly onto high lift land. By 1968 water quality had deteriorated seriously. A high level of salt management is now essential, with water salinity levels often more than 500 p.p.m. TDS.